Kona fatal 08-06-07

A 49-year-old Kona man died Sunday (August 5) from injuries he received in a motor vehicle/pedestrian crash on Queen Kaahumanu Highway near the 92-mile marker.

The pedestrian was identified as Lazarus Tauwl, of Kailua-Kona.

Responding to a 2:10 a.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that the victim was crossing the highway in an easterly direction when he was struck by a 1999 Dodge 2-door station wagon, which was traveling in a northerly direction and being operated by a 45-year-old Kamuela man.

The driver of the vehicle was not injured.

The victim was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:55 a.m.

Police do not believe that the driver was speeding or under the influence of alcohol but they believe the pedestrian may have been drinking earlier in the evening.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.